Ellen R.

Amanda S.

Verified review

really helpful and flexible. Was able to come immediately to install my above stove microwave. Was also able to do some additional work when he was there! Gave his card to my mother and will certainly be using him again!

Simon T.

Verified review

Friendly and professional. Provided receipts for all materials purchased. Helped design crown molding feature over fireplace that is now a feature of that room. I appreciate that he was able to complete job on short notice.

Marlon C.

Verified review

I had a excellent experience with them. Joe and Jayson arrived on time, did the inspections of the flues and I was given a detailed explanation of the problem, then they proceeded to fix it and went out their way and took care of the problem and some extra things that needed to be fix together with the installation of the stainless steel liner. Very polite and professional guys. Totally recommended.

Michael G.

Verified review

I hired Joe and his team to install baseboard molding and I was under a time crunch. They sent me the insurance docs within an hour after he left my apartment for my coop board and assured me he would complete the work within two days. He kept his word and delivered on craftsmanship. The baseboard molding came out great. We also had him hide the cable lines behind the baseboard molding which was something his foreman recommended. What a great idea! Thanks for your help Joe!

Arif F.

Verified review

It was great working with the folks at the chimney company. Jen at the front office was great at getting the schedule done and updated me on the crews arrival time. Robbie was excellent to work with. Cleaned my wood fireplace and chimney very clean. Advised me on other maintenance tasks I should consider. Very polite, professional and great service. I would hire them again for their services.

Reginald D.

Verified review

Prompt , very courteous, flexible, understands spanish, and very knowledgeable. He is worth every penny in gold. He has knowledge of his craft, and of other types of repairs. Sewage, Plumbing, Electric, Drywall, Flooring installation. I will be using his services for quite some while.

Tom B.

Verified review

Waldy did a great job on my total renovation, everything from floors to wall repair, kitchen cabinets, appliances, molding, electrical, plumbing, you name it. He maintains high standards and is very understanding, always working with a customer to make changes and achieve the desired result. Couldn't give a higher recommendation, have already and will continue to refer friends and family to him.

Elizabeth H.

Verified review

As the owner of several multi unit properties I have called upon Pride Development & Construction for numerous projects to include installing roofs, replacing windows & beam replacement. PD & C has also done complete apartment renovations to include painting, kitchen cabinet installations & bathroom rehabs. Their work has always been of high quality & completed in a timely fashion. Unlike other contractors I've dealt with, they've always left my properties spotless and in move in condition. The most impressive part of PD & C is that the owner is an expert in all phases of construction and is readily available to answer my questions and to make recommendations on work that needs to be done. I have referred PD & C to many other property & homeowners.

Dalia W.

Verified review

I would like to start off by saying that I couldn't be more thrilled to see Jerald Vahn Willis Designs receive the recognition it so rightfully deserves.
Over the years, I have worked with a couple of well-known designers and architects who have had established businesses for 30 + years and being that Jerald Vahn Willis Designs is a younger company, I was initially hesitant for that very reason. He came highly recommended through a friend and after seeing his work, I was immediately sold. He is extremely innovative and has one of the most sophisticated eyes for design that I've ever come across.
Now, a few years later, I have worked on three projects with Jerald, a large formal home in the city, a beach house and a home for my son and daughter while they attended the university. I mention this because each residence is used for a completely different purpose and required their own specific scope of work and design sensibility. While one project required a complete restoration involving special wall treatments, space planning, structural changes, rare antiques, engineering, an art collection installation and document fabrics, another project was less formal and called for child/animal friendly and budget conscious fabrics and furnishings that could withstand the test of time.
Jerald is extremely talented, but another benefit we found is that he's also very organized and efficient. Should it be necessary for your project to be done in stages, he is an expert in prioritizing what needs to be accomplished right now and what can wait. He was able to provide us with such beautiful renderings, which really helped us visualize the space and though the process was never rushed, it helped us in making decisions.
He is very knowledgeable, resourceful, highly gifted, down to earth and was truly a joy to work with. He made the process fun and once we completed our projects, we were sad it was over! He is truly a breath of fresh air and we are excited to work on future projects and see Jerald Vahn Willis Designs continue to flourish. If you hire Jerald, you will be glad you did.

About

I will do the honey do list your honey won't do! I do free estimates and will help you with decorating ideas. I'll do your home improvements that you can be proud of. I offer excellent quality at a reasonable price. Let's talk.
My services are the following:
* Fixtures installation
* Faucet installation
* Door hanging
* Stopping the squeaks in staircases
* Wallpaper hanging
* Windows installation
* Electrical outlets replacement, etc.

About

About

I am an expert in high-end tile installation and remodeling of bathrooms and kitchens.
I also design and build interiors of small apartments, bars, and cafes. We also work with lights, colors & space to help you live out your days.

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How does a chimney get cleaned?

A professional chimney sweep can clean your fireplace and chimney to help prevent chimney fires and keep your fireplace running in peak condition. Regular chimney cleanings are critical for removing the highly flammable creosote that can build up inside the walls of your chimney over time and cause chimney fires. When hiring a cleaning company, ask the chimney sweep if their cleaning fee includes removing soot, creosote and blockages from the chimney flue and liner, cleaning the smoke chamber and shelf, and cleaning the firebox and the damper to ensure that you’re getting a comprehensive cleaning. Expect the chimney sweep to cover the flooring around the fireplace and properly seal off your fireplace opening to catch any soot that comes out during the cleaning.

Look for a chimney sweep who has been certified by a nationally recognized organization such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), Fireplace Investigation Research and Education (FIRE), or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). This will help ensure that your chimney work will be completed in a professional manner and your home will be safe from a chimney fire.

Do I need to clean my chimney?

A fireplace makes a home cozy in winter, but it also requires cleaning to keep your family safe. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 28 percent of home heating fires are caused by a failure to clean solid-fueled heating equipment — primarily chimneys. On top of that scary fact, nearly 20 percent of all fire deaths are caused by home heating equipment. At a minimum, the NFPA urges homeowners to have chimneys and fireplaces inspected once a year to ensure there are no obstructions blocking the flow of air or any buildup of dangerous and highly flammable creosote. A certified chimney sweep will know what warning signs to look for and have the proper tools. Besides personal safety, saving money is a great motivation for having a chimney sweep regularly clean your chimney. If your chimney liner is not kept clean and in good working order, replacing it can cost thousands of dollars. A yearly cleaning is the baseline for a safe chimney. If your chimney is your main heating source, ask your chimney sweep whether you should have it cleaned more often. If your chimney is not venting properly and smoke is coming into your house, if you notice that the wood you burn is not burning efficiently (turning completely to ash), or if you have other concerns, call for a chimney cleaning and inspection right away.

How much does it cost to have the chimney swept?

The national average chimney sweep cost is $100 to $130. The National Fire Protection Association recommends having your chimney inspected at least once a year, but daily use and other factors might mean you need more regular service. Here are several reasons your chimney sweep cost may be higher than the national average:

Overly dirty chimney: If you haven’t cleaned your chimney in many years, or if you’ve just bought an older home and don’t know how long it has been since the chimney was cleaned, excessive grime could increase the cost of the job.

Roof height or chimney height: The chimney sweep may also charge an extra fee if your roof is too high for a ladder to reach or is too steep to safely climb on without a harness.

Frequency of use: If your fireplace is your primary heating source, the buildup of soot might be far greater than if you just use your fireplace a few times a winter when company comes over. This may impact cost.

Excessive debris: Leaves, twigs, and other debris that’s collected in your chimney is a fire hazard and should be cleaned immediately. An excess of junk may result in higher chimney sweep costs.

Live or dead animals: Prepare to pay extra if live or dead animals are in the chimney. Rodents, birds and bats can all set up camp in your chimney. A chimney cap can help prevent them from getting in, but once you hear something scurrying around, or smell the unmistakable scent of dead critter, call a chimney sweep immediately.

Geographic location: Chimney sweep costs may be higher in your city due to factors such as a higher cost of living or higher cost do business (insurance, overhead, employee wages, etc.).

Chimney repair: Any repairs that are needed internally or externally to your fireplace will increase costs. A thorough cleaning and inspection will reveal whether repairs to masonry, tuck-pointing, the back wall, bricks, the fireplace floor or the crown are needed.

Chimney cap installation: A chimney cap prevents debris from collecting in your chimney as well as preventing animals such as birds, mice, or raccoons from taking up residence inside. The cost of the chimney cap plus the labor for installation can increase fees.

How often should you have your chimney swept?

Regularly having your chimney cleaned is highly recommended both to improve the chimney’s efficiency as a heat source and to prevent home fires. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends having your chimney inspected at least once a year. You can hire a chimney sweep to clean the chimney while also inspecting it to ensure there is no damage to the lining, firebox or masonry. If you’ve had a new fireplace or wood-burning stove installed, CSIA urges you to have it checked halfway into the first season of use to make sure it’s operating safely. According to industry standards, a chimney sweep is recommended if more than 1/8 of an inch of soot or creosote has built up in the chimney or flue. Some fireplace experts suggest having your chimney cleaned, regardless of buildup, after every 1-2 cords of wood burned. Consult with your chimney sweep about what is best for optimal efficiency and safety with your fireplace.

How long does it take to clean a chimney?

A typical chimney cleaning takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Wood insert fireplaces may take longer to clean, as can chimneys that contain birds’ nests, excessive debris or wildlife. A chimney sweep will arrive at your location and assess the fireplace to be cleaned, and will set up protective coverings or dropcloths to prevent any ash or soot from escaping into your home during the cleaning. Using high-powered vacuums, they clean out ash and other debris in the firebox. With special, long-reach brushes they brush down the interior walls all the way to the top of the chimney to loosen and remove built-up soot and creosote. Many chimney sweeps also offer inspections in tandem with cleanings to make sure you don’t have any cracks or damage inside the chimney or out. Repair work or additions — such as installing a chimney cap — can increase the cleaning time.